A coalition of Republicans and a dissidentDemocrat say they can take control of New York's Senate despite a31-31 split with the Democratic conference by using

ALBANY - A coalition of Republicans and a dissidentDemocrat say they can take control of New York's Senate despite a31-31 split with the Democratic conference by using a section ofthe constitution that they interpret as giving their leader twovotes.

The coalition argues that the constitution provides Sen. PedroEspada, who they say they elected Senate president on June 8, onevote as a Bronx senator and one as acting lieutenant governor.